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Debby Carter
Gold Star Lapel Pin
This pin is awarded only to the relatives of those killed in specific conflicts listed in the 'Information' section on the back of DD Form 3. If your loved one was killed during the timeGold Star Pin period of one of these conflicts, but not in the official area of the conflict you will receive the Next of Kin Lapel Pin. For example, if, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, a service member was assigned to a unit in Germany and was killed in a training accident, you would not be entitled to the Gold Star Lapel Pin.
The Gold Star Lapel Pin was established by Congress in 1965 to identify widows, parents and next of kin of service members killed in combat. While enacted during the Vietnam War, the award authority is retroactive to World War I, and includes most subsequent conflicts.
Jun 9, 2011 |
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Debby Carter
GOLD STAR LICENSE PLATES AVAILABLE IN 48 STATES
http://www.goldstarmoms.com/resources/gsflicenseplatestatus/gsfstatus.htm
Form DD 1300 is issued only to the next of kin specified by the deceased on his or her emergency notification form upon entering the military. You can obtain a copy of DD 1300 from eVetRecs if you are the next of kin. The next of kin can be any of the following: surviving spouse that has not remarried, father, mother, son, daughter, sister, or brother.
Unfortunately many states have made this form a requirement for obtaining their plates but the form is not generally available to all relatives entitled to the plate. If you know the next of kin or the casualty officer try to get a copy from them. If you can't get a copy of DD 1300 see if your state authorities will accept alternate proof that you are related to the deceased.
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Debby Carter
SONS AND DAUGHTERS IN TOUCH
http://www.sdit.org
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
To locate, unite and provide support to Sons, Daughters and other family members of those who died or remain missing as a result of the Vietnam War to produce a quarterly newsletter providing important information to all SDIT stakeholders to promote healing via networking and special projects, to regularly address high schools and college classes in hopes of providing education on the historical and emotional legacy of war.
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Debby Carter
ALWAYS REMEMBERED
http://walldads.org/Keefe.html
'Those who have devoted service to this Country
will never be forgotten.
Their Sacrifice will live on forever in the hearts
of all who cherish FREEDOM!'
GW DOUGLAS
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Debby Carter
Daughter
THE LOST BATTALION
http://walldads.org/Keefe2.html
MSG Keefe is mentioned several times in 'The Lost Battalion', a book written about the 1st Air Cav, 2/12th, Vietnam, 1968. The author, LTC Charles A. Krohn (Retired), was MSG Keefe's superior officer at the time of his death.
The Lost Battalion -
Controversy and Casualties in the Battle of Hue
Jun 9, 2011 |
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Debby Carter
debby.carter@yahoo.com
Daughter
BRONZE STAR
http://www.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=33805
Bronze Star
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Sergeant First Class Richard Carlysle Keefe (ASN: RA-18487616), United States Army, for meritorious achievement, not involving participating in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Keefe distinguished himself by meritorious achievement on 21 September 1967, while serving as Acting Intelligence Sergeant of the 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry during a battalion size air assault mission in the Vinh Than Valley, Republic of Vietnam. Performing in an efficient manner, Sergeant Keefe handled the collection and evaluation of a large volume of data involved with the battalion move and subsequent operations. He quickly sorted and clarified the information, passed it on to the line units to make sure it would be of immediate use to them. His use of interpreters insured that they were in the right place at the right time to gain all information possible. His energy, determination, and skill enabled the Intelligence Section of the Battalion to run efficiently and smoothly and was a key to the success of the Battalion operation. Sergeant Keefe's professionalism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Action Date: 21-Sep-67
Service: Army
Company: Headquarters and Headquarters Company
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Regiment: 12th Infantry Regiment
Division: 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
Jun 9, 2011 |
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Debby Carter
debby.carter@yahoo.com
SILVER STAR CITATION
http://www.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=33805
Silver Star
Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant First Class Richard Carlysle Keefe (ASN: RA-18487616), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Keefe distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 3 January 1968, while serving as an intelligence sergeant with the 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during a combat mission near Que Son, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit came under an enemy attack, Sergeant Keefe exposed himself to the hostile fire as he moved through an open area to the tactical operations center to insure their defenses were in proper order. Sergeant Keefe then moved from position to position, evacuating the injured personnel to safety. Again exposing himself to the enemy fire, Sergeant Keefe organized and directed the medical evacuation of all the wounded personnel. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), General Orders No. 1933 (March 31, 1968)
Action Date: 3-Jan-68
Service: Army
Company: Headquarters and Headquarters Company
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Regiment: 12th Infantry Regiment
Division: 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
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Debby Carter
debby.carter@yahoo.com
Daughter
Dear Tom Kaczmarek,
http://www.easthamptonstar.com/Letters-Editor/2011601/Letters-Editor-060211
Most of the children in this country who lost their father in Vietnam were not allowed to grieve when their father’s were killed. The anti-war sentiments were very strong in 1968, and for many years thereafter, as you well know. We could not even talk about our father’s death. I always felt so alone in this, wondering why it still bothered me after so many years even 30+ years later, why did it bother me so. Why couldn’t I get over it, accept it and move on. This delayed grieving is a shared phenomena. I learned that so many other kids stories were so similar to mine. In 1999, I found out about Sons and Daughter’s In Touch (SDIT), a national support group for kids whose father’s were KIA or MIA in Vietnam. This group, along with the Internet, and many vets like you, has allowed me to heal and find closure. I have found so much information about my dad that I never knew so many men like you have reached out and helped in any way they could.
Who was my father you ask he was MSGT Richard C. Keefe. Thank you for marching proudly and remembering him on Memorial Day.
Thank you for your service to our country.
God Bless,
DEBBY KEEFE CARTER
Jun 9, 2011 |
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